Preseason Ends with 4-0 Loss to Atlanta

Oct 10, 2015

10/10/2015 8:50 PM -

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.- The South Carolina Stingrays concluded preseason play on Saturday night with a 4-0 loss to the Atlanta Gladiators at the Carolina Ice Palace. The Stingrays finished the preseason 0-2-0 heading into Opening Night next Saturday, October 17 versus the Reading Royals at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Leading 1-0 on a Tyler Shiplo power play goal, the Gladiators scored three times in the second period to take a commanding lead. Brock Higgs doubled Atlanta's lead only 2:30 into the middle frame. The forward split the South Carolina defense and slid the puck five-hole on Stingrays goaltender Vitek Vanecek. J.T. Barrett tallied the lone assist on the play.

Just under 10 minutes later, Atlanta scored again. Nate Condon struck for a power play goal at 12:07. Drew Baker worked the puck to Condon in the high slot. He snapped a wrist shot towards the goal that beat a screened South Carolina goaltender David Jacobson, who relieved Vanecek midway through the period.

Atlanta would add one more goal before the second period ended to up its lead to 4-0 through 40 minutes. On a delayed penalty, the Gladiators maintained puck possession with the extra-attacker. A Baker wrist shot to the goal was deflected on the left side of the crease where Daniel Bahntge stood alone. He knocked the loose puck to the back of the net with only 57 seconds left in the period.

Atlanta goaltender Garrett Bartus stopped all 18 shots he faced to earn the shutout and the first star of the game. Atlanta outshot South Carolina 27-18.

The Stingrays open the regular season next Saturday, October 17 versus the Reading Royals at 7:05 p.m. The Stingrays are hosting Mother Emanuel AME Church Family Night honoring the "Charleston 12" impacted in the June church shooting. Survivors of the incident will be on hand, and the Stingrays will wear special Charleston Strong jerseys that will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the children of the victims. The night also features a Magnetic Schedule Giveaway to the first 5,000 courtesy of Savage Law Firm and FREE parking, as well as an Alumni Game at 2 p.m. Tickets are for sale via Ticketmaster or at the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office.

Do not miss a second of the action! 2015-16 Stingrays Ticket Plans are on sale NOW! Save money off of box office prices and get great benefits like FREE parking, Buddy Passes, discounts off of merchandise, advanced ticket purchases to North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center events and more!

Opening Weekend is Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 at the North Charleston Coliseum as the Stingrays take on the Reading Royals at 7:05 p.m. and 3:05 p.m. Download the Schedule Become a “Fan” of the Stingrays on Facebook at Facebook.com/SCStingraysHockey and join the conversation on Twitter at Twitter.com/SCStingrays.